Robert Stephen Soley, 86, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Port Charlotte Rehabilitation Center following a year of decline due to heart illness and the onset of Parkinsons’s disease.

Robert was born September 16, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Charles and Margaret (Moore) Soley. Not long afterward, he and his family moved to their farm in Ohio where he was raised and attended the local two-room schoolhouse. After a stint as a merchant marine working on the ore boats up and down the Great Lakes, he completed his BS degree in Physics at The Ohio State University, later followed by an MBA degree with international specialization. Going by his middle name Steve, he worked most of his career in Ohio for Owens-Illinois and Owens-Corning as manager for international marketing operations. After traveling the world and a final work stint while living in Hungary, he retired to Port Charlotte, Florida in 2008.

Steve is survived by his wife Ilona; daughter Stephanie from his first marriage, granddaughters Amber and Emily, and great-granddaughter Scarlet; daughter Catherine from his second marriage; daughters Judy and Diana from his third marriage; and many loving friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his half-brother Chuck and sisters Elsa and Eleanor.

He was known for his lifetime love of HAM radio, obtaining his novice license at the age of 16. Local hams will miss his thought-provoking questions as net control for the Sunshine Net on Thursday mornings in Port Charlotte. He was a long-time member of both the CARS and PRRA radio clubs. He also had loved tinkering with cars, sailing his boat on Lake Erie, and studying the world during his travels.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday 11:00 AM, December 31, 2025, at Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel with visitation from 10:00 AM until service time.

Interment will be in the Wakeman Cemetery, Wakeman, Ohio, following a graveside service on January 5, 2026.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.